(Self Paced) Build, Draw or Write: Playful Paths to Literacy

In this 4 week-long self paced class, we will explore different ways to use brick builds as inspiration for drawing/writing. The overarching goal of the class is to get learners excited about putting their ideas down on paper.

This class is taught entirely through videos, so you can complete it on your own time and at your own pace.  There are no live class meetings.
 
Every Monday, I post a short video in the classroom. In each video, I will share a build and then model how I used that build as inspiration for the weekly writing/drawing activity. I model using both drawing and writing in each activity so that learners can adapt the activity to their current literacy levels. I intentionally provide simple instructions and a basic format to get learners started but leave lots of room for each child to create, innovate and imagine.

The way each learner engages with the activities in this class will depend on their stage of literacy development (they may be drawing, writing letters, words, and/or writing sentences). The class is designed to support the child in their current stage of literacy development, encourage them to try out new ideas, and of course, have lots of fun!

Lesson 1: Turn a build into a story:
One of the best things about building is how it gets our imagination going and all of the stories that can be told about a build! 
•	In the first video, I will share my build and the start of a simple comic-strip style story that goes with it. 
•	I will explain the basics of creating a simple comic and then invite learners to use their builds to create a comic of their own.  

Lesson 2: Build inspired map-making
This week we will think of the places connected to our builds and become map-makers!
•	I will share my build and show the start of a homemade map that goes with it.  
•	I will explain the basics of creating a map and then invite learners to use their builds to create maps of their own.

Lesson 3: Plans for a future build
There are always more things to build out of bricks! This week we will make a plan for a future build.
•	I will share my build and the plan that I created to build it.
•	I will explain the basics of creating a plan for a future build and then invite learners to plan a future build of their own.
 
Lesson 4: Turn a build into a game
Our final week combines building with games! 
•	I will share my build and the start of a simple homemade board game to go with it.
•	I will explain some of the basics of creating a board game and then invite learners to use their builds to create a game of their own.

Although this class is completed on your own time, learners can still share their ideas and questions with me and their classmates. Every week, learners will have the opportunity to share builds and their writing/drawing projects. Learners can share by uploading a photo, writing a comment, or by using the Outschool platform to record a video message. Twice a week, I respond to any work that was submitted in the classroom.  

If you would like a live version of this class, I also offer several similar live classes, such as my once-a-week ongoing “Kids Who Love Lego: Talk, Draw & Write” class:
https://outschool.com/classes/kids-who-love-lego-talk-draw-and-write-hjb6tHo5?usid=3CuwGyJY&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
 
Or my one-time “Turn a Brick Build Into a Story" class:
https://outschool.com/classes/turn-a-brick-build-into-a-story-playful-paths-to-literacy-C771tGie?usid=3CuwGyJY&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link